US Green Building Council | 11 the kind of data to show how a building performs... in terms of the health of the environment, its functioning in the landscape, the efficiencies in its operation... the performance of these buildings is now our number one priority,” says Platt. USGBC is now certifying 1.6 million square feet a day to LEED. More than half of that is in existing buildings. In gaining a better understanding of performance measures, Platts says the USGBC will continue to find ways to better demonstrate the full value and benefit of green building. In this case, performance evaluations will encompass measurements in efficiency relating to energy use, water use, air quality, and the impact that all these things assert on the environment and operations inside the building. There is a growing literature of green building research, says Platt. He has been particularly encouraged by a recent study conducted by Notre Dame University. In that study, researchers analyzed data produced by 100 retail locations of PNC Bank. They found that the annual utilities cost per employee in their LEED facilities was $675.26 lower than in non-green facilities. Better performance, in this case, included increased productivity from employees and lower costs of utility rates per square foot than that of other branches. Platt says the research appears sound, and it complements other independent studies that show a stronger value proposition for LEED buildings, such as faster lease rates or higher occupancy rates. Platt says the USGBC will be undertaking their own research, working with owners and operators of LEED certified buildings, and collect and compare data so the organization can better provide insight into opportunities to improve performance in existing buildings. The USGBC has created an online resource known as the Green Building Information Gateway (www.gbig.org). The site provides an interface to compare and contrast various LEED certified buildings established throughout the world. Platt says this Internet resource is helping to generate a new era of analytical insight as well as engagement and excitement (not to mention bragging rights) among those who have undergone LEED certification. Another priority aim for the future re
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